Cherán, el pueblo purépecha en rebeldía | LGVPLE

Summary

In the heart of Cherán, Michoacán, the Purépecha community bravely rose to defend their forests and way of life from organized crime. Amidst extortion, kidnappings, and the destruction of their environment by illegal logging, the people, led by a group of women and young people, took a stand in 2011. Rejecting governmental authority, they organized their own communal defense and built barricades to protect their village. Their grassroots efforts led to the formation of a self-governance system, focused on security, justice, and environmental preservation. Despite fierce opposition, they remain committed to their cause for the future of their children and community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The community of Cherán in Michoacán, Mexico, started a movement to protect its forests from illegal logging and organized crime, using only basic tools like machetes and sticks.
• 😀 On April 15, 2011, after years of extortion, kidnapping, and murder by criminal organizations, the people of Cherán rose up, rejecting government authorities and taking matters into their own hands.
• 😀 The community's defense efforts were sparked by the extensive deforestation caused by illegal logging, which had already destroyed 20,000 hectares of forest.
• 😀 The locals, including women, youth, and elders, united to take direct action against the illegal logging operations, and their movement quickly spread across the entire town.
• 😀 During the confrontation, four illegal loggers were captured, and one was nearly killed, which led to further escalation between the community and criminal groups supported by corrupt authorities.
• 😀 The town became isolated for months, with barricades set up at every corner to protect against attacks from armed criminals, turning every corner into a stronghold.
• 😀 The community worked together through fire-lit gatherings, using them as a means to discuss, strategize, and organize their defense efforts.
• 😀 The Cherán people, frustrated by the lack of support from the government, decided to take control of their own security and well-being by forming the 'Ronda Comunitaria' (Community Patrol).
• 😀 The local government and police forces, which were seen as corrupt and ineffective, were rejected by the community in favor of their own grassroots leadership and self-governance system.
• 😀 Despite ongoing threats and challenges, the people of Cherán continue to fight for the restoration of their forests, the safety of their community, and the preservation of their cultural heritage through self-organized efforts.

Q & A

What event does the community of Cherán commemorate on April 15th?

The community of Cherán commemorates the beginning of their defense of the forests against illegal logging and the influence of organized crime on April 15th, 2011.

How did the people of Cherán first respond to the illegal logging and organized crime?

The people of Cherán responded by organizing themselves, initially using simple tools like sticks and machetes to stop illegal logging and resist the violence and extortion from criminal groups.

What was the significance of the barricades set up by the community?

The barricades represented the community's defense against external threats, with volunteers manning them to protect the town from the violent criminal groups and to maintain control over who entered and left the area.

How did the community of Cherán take control of its own security?

The community of Cherán took control of its own security by forming the 'ronda comunitaria' (community patrol), a volunteer-based group responsible for patrolling and ensuring the safety of the town.

What role did women and youth play in the defense of Cherán?

Women and youth played a crucial role in organizing and rallying the community to take action. They were among the first to stand up against the criminal forces and led the efforts to stop the illegal logging.

What was the response of the local government to the community's actions?

The local government initially ignored the community's concerns, failed to provide adequate protection, and even indirectly supported criminal groups, which led the community to reject the authorities and form their own self-governance.

How did the community of Cherán implement a new system of governance?

Cherán implemented a new system of governance based on indigenous customs, where the community decided to elect leaders through traditional practices rather than political parties, with a focus on security, justice, and environmental restoration.

What challenges did the community face in establishing their new government?

The community faced resistance from the state and national authorities, who were reluctant to recognize their new system. However, after legal battles, the community succeeded in having their governance system officially recognized.

What was the community's stance on political parties during their struggle?

The community of Cherán rejected political parties, seeing them as a source of division and conflict. They chose instead to focus on unity and the collective well-being of the community, putting aside partisan politics.

What is the broader significance of Cherán's story for other communities in Mexico?

Cherán's story is an example of grassroots resistance to organized crime and government negligence. It highlights the power of community organizing, the defense of natural resources, and the reclaiming of indigenous governance as a means of achieving justice and security.